Helios Express, Invincible Sage to fight out HK feature

He Jiong

Sunday’s 10-race card at Sha Tin features the Group 2 Premier Bowl over 1200m — a race shaping up as a highly competitive affair with no clear standout.

Helios Express, the highest-rated runner, ended last season on a winning note in the G3 Sha Tin Vase and looks well prepared for his return following three recent trials. However, the top weight under handicap conditions will make this a testing task. Invincible Sage was unlucky first-up after encountering traffic problems, but with a favourable weight swing, he should have every chance to reverse the narrow defeat he suffered against Hugh Bowman-ridden Helios Express in their previous clash.

Packing Hermod maintains a perfect record over 1200m and appears well weighted to make another bold bid this week. Another intriguing runner is Tomodachi Kokoroe. Now a seven-year-old, he has surprisingly found career-best form this season, and with only 51.5kg to carry, he looks capable of continuing his strong run.

Consistent galloper Gentleman Legacy looks well placed to notch his second local victory in the Class 3 Handicap over 2000m.

The son of Showtime closed out last season in fine style with an impressive win over this track and trip, and resumed 22 days ago with a strong late run for second. After settling patiently off the pace, he quickened smartly and looked the winner at the 150m mark, only to be caught in the final strides by longshot Mighty Strength, who scored at odds of 56-1.

Fitter for that run and drawn to secure a handy position, Gentleman Legacy should be able to settle closer to the speed this time. With champion jockey Zac Purton sticking with the ride, he looks a major contender to go one better. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Cool Blue ideally weighted and suited by the switch back to turf, he should produce a strong performance from a favourable draw. Smashing Express remains a maiden after 19 starts, but looks capable of breaking through anytime in Class 5. Mr Aladdin caught the eye flashing home late last start, but will need to cope with another wide draw here. Yiu Cheung Victory down in class and with Purton aboard, he looks one to watch. Golden Fairy has tactical speed and could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead.

Race 2: Winning Champion signalled his readiness with a solid second last start, and from pole position, he’s poised to go one bet- ter. Motor broke through in fine style last time out and remains a strong contender despite added weights. Ever Luck has won a recent trial where the runner-up secured an easy win in Class 4 on Wednesday, making this newcomer one to watch on debut. Alabama Song caused an upset last start and his recent trials suggest he could have more to offer first-up. Georgian Sigma debutant well prepared with several trials; betting market could provide clues.

Race 3: Do Your Part overdue for another win after four consecutive placings, and looks a leading contender. Goldentronicmighty has trialled well for his return, and from a better draw, he is likely to show improvement first-up. Aerovolanic attacked the line strongly late last start and is aiming for quick amends on a seven-day back-up. Jubilant Star turned in a strong debut performance, and with Purton aboard, he could go one better. Top Peak his recent trial was highly encouraging and he could prove a value pick, given his disappointing performance before the break.

Race 4: Supreme Mastermind has not been beaten far in Class 3 recently, and sectional data suggests an improved effort looks likely after dropping to Class 4. Pearl Of Pang’s finished a solid third despite a wide trip last start, and with better luck in running, he could make amends. The Heir likes to get back and charge home, so he will need a genuine pace to suit his racing style. Serangoon a genuine stayer resuming off a break, he could run well fresh, though the distance is a touch short of his best. Bright Inheritance his form is patchy but he could surprise at value on his day.

Race 5: Beauty Glory stuck on well for a gallant fourth last start despite a frantic tempo. With a kinder pace and more measured ride, he looks well placed to make amends. Mr Cool always a threat in Class 4 and should play a key role despite carrying top weight. Rezeki heavily backed and showed improvement last start, making him one to follow. Amazing Fun held up at crucial last start, and with a smoother trip, he could improve into the money. Silver Up appears well weighted to continue his strong run, following a couple of fast-finishing efforts recently.

Race 6: Hong Lok Golf a highly promising galloper, he looks primed to record another win after an encouraging third first-up. Steps Ahead narrowly beaten last start and appears ideally weighted to atone, though the wide draw poses a challenge. Rubylot was far from disgraced in a G3 feature last start, and the drop to Class 2 should spark further improvement. Johannes Brahms encountered traffic in the straight last time out and could secure a Top 3 finish with better luck in running. Stunning Peach travelled strongly in a recent trial and may sneak into the placings at long odds on his return.

Race 7: Gentlemen Legacy stands out as the form choice here, and with Purton remaining aboard, he can prove a big winning chance. Enthralled has ability but has never been consistent. He is worth considering if his odds present value. Aestheticism produced a fast-finishing effort last time out and will make his presence felt under the right race shape. Money Catcher his last run was better than it looks, given the awkward jump, and he should not be overlooked here. Agenda has the stamina to see out the distance, and is well weighted to notch a placing.

Race 8: Packing Hermod boasts an unblemished record over this distance and looks well placed to make an impact, despite meeting a strong field. Helios Express arguably the second-best sprinter in Hong Kong now, he shapes a leading contender in this feature. Invincible Sage with an explosive turn of foot, he will make a strong late surge if things fall his way. Tomodachi Kokoroe has surprisingly found career-best form as a 7YO this season and could prove a lightweight pick. Wunderbar his perfect second-up record suggests a much-improved effort looks likely, but he is often overbet.

Race 9: Alsonso a consistent performer, he is edging closer to a win after three consecutive placings. Wonderstar raced on speed to secure a convincing win last start, and a double looks within reach despite a weight rise. Metro Power flopped last start after an impressive win two runs back. With a more favourable jockey booking, he is worth considering again. Fast Responder had excuses last start and could show improvement with a cleaner run in transit. Sparkling Fellow well prepared with three trials for his return and his reliable first-up record makes him hard to overlook.

Race 10: Dazzling Fit a talented 4YO to follow into the new season, he has trialled impressively ahead of his first-up run and shapes as the one to beat from a good draw. Top Dragon finished a close third despite a tardy start last time out. He deserves another chance. Six Pack showed improvement dropping to this class last start, and with a better draw, he is well placed to break through locally. Armour War Eagle should enjoy a smooth run from a low draw and looks capable of causing an upset. Endeared has mixed his form, but a placing at long odds wouldn’t surprise.